PAL Airlines has begun operating select Air Canada Express flights in the Maritimes.
The inaugural flight, which flew between St. John's International Airport and Halifax Stanfield International Airport on 01JUL, marks the first flight under a new deal between the two carriers.
Calvin Ash, President of PAL Airlines, said, "We're tremendously excited to be working together with Air Canada to collaboratively develop and strengthen regional travel options across eastern Canada. This most recent agreement preserves the existing PAL Airlines commercial network, substantially expands our airline operation, and supports our long-held strategy of building our business by staying attuned to the markets we serve. The inaugural flight that took place this weekend marks the start of an exciting new chapter for PAL Airlines, and a substantial step forward in our commercial relationship with Air Canada."
As part of the agreement, PAL Airlines will acquire up to six additional Dash 8-400 aircraft that will be progressively introduced into service on behalf of Air Canada for a period of up to five years.
The agreement builds upon previous collaborations between the two carriers, including PAL Airlines becoming an Aeroplan partner, the establishment of an interline agreement for seamless customer connections, and the sale of select PAL Airlines flights on Air Canada's website.
"PAL Airlines has a reputation as a strong operator and this agreement will allow us to provide added stability to our already extensive regional operations in eastern Canada. Our partnership will be beneficial for local communities as air connections support economic activity and tourism while keeping families and friends connected," said Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President of Revenue and Network Planning at Air Canada.
Jazz Operations of Air Canada Flights in Eastern Canada to Continue
As Open Jaw reported, Air Canada says that the addition of PAL's aircraft to Air Canada's Maritime schedules will not affect Air Canada's relationship with current supplier, Chorus Aviation, which is the parent company of Jazz.
"Jazz is our long-term Air Canada Express partner, and we are working together to increase flying activity within the framework of our existing CPA given the current, industry wide pilot situation. As these efforts continue, and to help meet the needs and expectations of the travelling public, Air Canada has entered into a bridging arrangement with another airline to provide additional regional capacity on select routes in eastern Canada," said Michael Rousseau, President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada, in a statement in MAY.
